Kate Garraway issues heartbreaking kids update in emotional Derek post

Good Morning Britain fave Kate Garraway lost husband Derek Draper after an almost four year battle following his diagnosis with long Covid. Now the broken-hearted ITV star has turned to her Instagram followers to pour her heart out about the "tough" Father's Day she's had with the kids.

The family visited Derek's grave as they held a space to remember the former political lobbyist and psychotherapist. Her post was accompanied by a photo of everyone together prior to Derek's death, and her courageous words won the support of fellow ITV hosts Charlotte Hawkins and Lorraine Kelly.

"So yesterday was one of those days the kids & I knew would be tough . #fathersday - the day when everyone wants to celebrate their daddy," she began mournfully. "We started by visiting Derek’s grave early - and talked about all the amazing things we loved about him, the daft things he did to make us laugh and all the things he has given us that we’ll never forget."

She added poignantly: "We have so much to be grateful for." Kate added that she and her kids - daughter Darcey and son Billy - were also "so grateful to still have my amazing dad in our lives", as well as Derek's father, who was helping them maintain a strong family network.

Praising him as a "brilliant Papa & Grandad", she then revealed to her 1.3 million followers how she'd spent the day. "Thanks to my fab @global family we went to the #capitalsummertimeball - an amazing day of music & summer joy," she explained.

"It was sad coming home & not finding Derek waiting to hear 'all about it' as he used to say. But so wonderful that we had him at all," she declared.

"I know for so many yesterday would have been a tough day so here’s to getting through and let’s celebrate all the wonderful fathers & father figures & what they gift us everyday . #love #gratitude #letscelebratelife."

Lorraine Kelly wrote: "Beautiful words and what a gorgeous photo x," while fellow GMB host Charlotte Hawkins chimed in: "Lots of love to you."

Kate was inundated with support from fans too, with more than 33,000 followers hitting the like button in under an hour.

One wrote a passionate speech to offer her comfort, commenting: "Father's Day brings both joy and sorrow for many of us. This day was especially hard for you, as you navigate the profound loss of your beloved husband and the father of your children.

"To your children, he was not just a father but a hero, a guiding light, and a source of endless love and support. His spirit lives on in their hearts, in their laughter, and in the countless memories they hold dear.

"As you continue to be their pillar of strength, know that you are also honouring his legacy with your courage and unwavering love. To all who have lost fathers, husbands, and partners, this day is a poignant reminder of the cherished moments we shared and the irreplaceable void left behind. It is a time to reflect on the love and guidance they provided and to hold close the beautiful memories that keep their spirits alive within us."

Derek Draper died on January 3, aged 56, after a string of Covid complications left him weak, but he was "surrounded by" his loyal family during his final days.